Hi,
 
Been lurking for a while and read quite a few threads but thought it would be best to post to get some direct advice.
 
Listen to quite a few genres of music but I'm looking for a set of IEMs that will be best suited to instrumental / post-rock / post-metal bands like Mono and Red Sparowes. Also like listening to Zappa.
 
I recently had a pair of Phonak Audeo PFE 012s, quite liked the sound of them but needed to amp them and the nub at the back used to dig into the side of my ear after extended listening. Previous to that I had some Soundmagic PL50s which I liked the soundstage of but the build quality wasn't the best and the earpieces fell apart.
 
Ideally I wouldn't want to spend more than £250 and have been looking at Westone UM2 and Earsonics SM2 v2.
 
Any advice would be appreciated.
 
 
PS. I also think my current mp3 player (iPod Touch 2G) is on its way out, lots of problems with it lately. I'd rather not spend more than £150 on a player, my main criteria is sound quality and capacity, have no real interest in wifi, bluetooth, games, apps, playing video etc, and have been looking at the Colorfly C3 or the Clip+. (I can move this question to the portable source area if needed just thought I would save making two threads)

IEM
Brainwavz M2 with Comply T-400 foam tips
Total Cost including shipping is around $110 US
They will sound great for the genres of music you listed and with the Comply T-400 foams tips there should be no comfort issues.  This combo is what I use at work as a durable, good sounding, inexpensive IEM option.

Thanks for the recommendation, looks like I get them in the UK for £55 (which includes the cost of the Comply tips).
 
Quite a bit under my budget as well, now just have to decide what to do with the extra cash!
 

I hear the Brainwavz M2 have problems with microphonics.
 
Anyone got any experience with this?
 
Any other IEM recommendations?
 

My recommendation would be Vsonic GR07 MK2 for your genre's. Then lose the ipod touch immediately, throw that thing away and never look back...Pair up your new GR07 MK2 with Cowons C2 or J3 players and live happily ever after for about $300 US.

Hard to find any of those in the UK (from my searches at least)
 
Guess my best bet would be eBay unless anyone knows of any other stockists with reasonable international shipping costs.
 
Nevermind, checked the GR07 thread which had handy links to sellers.
 
Edit : Looks like it is close to impossible to get the J3 so will be ordering the Vsonic GR07 mk2 and Cowon C2 when pay day comes around.
 
Thank you for your help

The M2 will have some microphonics, but with a shirt clip they are reduced by 90% and I can hardly notice them especially if I am on the move.

I'd recommend a neutral IEM for the genres you listen to.

I recomend audio technica ckm500- makes wonders with rock and metal
And avoid cowon c2- aftercsome months touchscreen half the time doesnt work.

Me too, maybe the Vsonic GR01 or the Rockit Sounds R-50.
Quote:

psygeist said:

I'd recommend a neutral IEM for the genres you listen to.

Click to expand...

 
The CKM500 in my opinion, after finally getting a neutral IEM, is just to bassy and slow for rock and metal. I used to like them a lot, but now that i have heard something better i just cant go back to the CKM500, and i have tried.

I am a huge Post/Metal (Rock) fan! Love Godspeed, Mono and The Red Sparrow......ect.
 
For headphones that I think suit it, since it is often very dynamic, detailed, very full,has a HUGE assortment of instrument, and is very layered, I would say a very flat neutral pair are needed, otherwise bits and pieces get lost in the crowd. That being said I listened to it alot with Monster Turbine Pro's for a long time (I had them and well I didn't want to spend money on a different set) and while I thought they were great, they are a little bassy (but no bleed through, which suprised me) and have a great mid and hi end, but lack some topend sparkle, but I think that is because they are a dynamic driver unit. Now because they cable on my turbines failed (after about 3 years mind you) I purchased some Etymotic Research MC5's to hold me over, and man they blew me over (sorry couldn't resist)!! I liked them enough to want to see what their higher end stuff sounded like, and I noticed a great deal on some HF3's (same as HF5's just has apple volume control and mic) and jumped on them, and I must say I am VERY happy I did! I listened today at work to a bunch of post rock with them and they surpassed my expectations! Very detailed, and excellent separation (which is a must with this genre). I could not be happier for the price! They are also great will jazz and classical, just sooo good! 

GR07 gets my vote for your music, I personally think it does instruments weight and timbre better than the BA IEMs I've listened to in the price range, including the Phonak and Westones you mentioned.
 
Sony EX1000 is also very good though over your budget.
I haven't heard the JVC-FX700 personally, but my friends raved about it for instrument timbre. It is also well regarded around here for instruments.

Quote:

jasonb said:

Me too, maybe the Vsonic GR01 or the Rockit Sounds R-50.

Click to expand...

+1. GR01 might be a better choice. joker mentioned these for neutrality.